"Enter!"
Acting Grand Master Jean still leaned back in her chair, eyes closed, resting, without checking who was knocking.
"Oh? Acting Grand Master Jean, you don't look so good. Haven't you been resting well lately?"
A familiar yet somewhat strange, teasing voice rang in Jean's ears, startling her. She opened her eyes to see Miyashiro looking at her with a smile.
After Jean recognized the visitor, she immediately stood up and said, "Yu… Regent, why have you come?"
Miyashiro seemed not to hear Jean's question, instead, he casually surveyed Acting Grand Master Jean's office.
Miyashiro was now a man of the world, having met many high-ranking officials and nobles. However, Jean, as the temporary supreme leader of a nation, had an office that could be described as very simple compared to Ningguang, Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing of Liyue, or himself in Inazuma.
Jean's office contained nothing more than basic tables, chairs, and a sofa; it was an office in the truest sense, with no other uses.
However, when Miyashiro saw the mountain of documents piled on Jean's desk, he unconsciously looked around the room, then couldn't help but frown.
Miyashiro patted the documents and said, "It's nothing, really. I just saw your office light still on so late, and thought I'd come over to check. Acting Grand Master Jean is truly hardworking, still dealing with state affairs late into the night. When I was strolling through Mondstadt just now, I saw your Cavalry Captain, Kaeya, and several other Knights, drinking heartily at Angel's Share. I didn't expect Acting Grand Master Jean to be so busy, while your subordinate Kaeya and the Knights can still find time to relax."
Jean couldn't help but question Miyashiro's reply, "Shouldn't… shouldn't it be this way?"
Miyashiro said helplessly, "We are both the supreme leaders of our respective nations, but my desk never has such a towering pile of official duties to handle.
All matters are first reviewed by my four secretaries, and basic solutions are provided by the officials below. Finally, they are submitted to me for approval and signature. So, don't laugh, but actually, the most I do is stamp and sign documents."
A hint of envy flashed in Jean's eyes, but quickly, it was replaced by confusion as she asked, "Four… secretaries? Preliminary review?"
Miyashiro: "Yes, each of the four secretaries is responsible for military, economic, cultural, and other affairs. Kuki Shinobu, from the Inazuma Delegation, is one of my secretaries.
As the Inazuma Regent, I deal with major issues. As for the minor details, like clearing monsters, preparing tax reports, or lost items, those are handled by the officials below. If such small matters were reported to me, what would be the point of having those officials?
Oh, I'm also acquainted with Ningguang, Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing of Liyue. She also has three secretaries who specifically sort out various affairs for her. Acting Grand Master Jean, where are your secretaries? Have they gone off duty? No, that's not right, you're still working here, so there's no reason for your secretaries to leave first, is there? Your secretaries seem a bit incompetent."
Hearing Miyashiro's words, Acting Grand Master Jean froze as if struck by lightning. She couldn't help but look at the mountain of documents on her desk: the Mondstadt Bridge Reconstruction Plan… the Trade Route Clearance Application… the Quarterly Tax Report Notification… and even a commission requesting her help to find a lost cat, all placed before her.
Thinking about how most of her energy was spent dealing with these trivial matters every day, Jean actually realized something was amiss. However, if she couldn't even handle this level of responsibility alone, how could she protect all of Mondstadt like Lord Vennessa?
In fact, after that night's battle, Jean had already realized that her strength had stagnated for a long time since she became the Deputy Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
Although her strength still surpassed that of ordinary Knights, that was just her relying on her past Talents.
After all, over these years, she had dedicated her energy to paperwork. Not to mention improving her strength, she didn't even have enough time to sleep. She occasionally had to secretly seek out her younger sister, Barbara, for treatment, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to withstand the continuous high-intensity work.
At 15, Jean was awarded the title of Legendary Knight. Along with Diluc, who became the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius at 14, they were hailed as the Golden Boy and Jade Girl of Mondstadt, possessing extraordinary Talents. Jean also harbored special feelings for the senior, Diluc.
Seven years ago, she could at least still see the back of senior Diluc, but seven years later, the gap in combat power between her and senior Diluc could be described as a world of difference.
Jean suddenly remembered that a few days ago, Lord Barbatos had told her that Grand Master Varka had already achieved Immortal-level combat power, and senior Diluc was on the verge of reaching that level during that night's battle. Only she hadn't even touched the edge of that realm.
Could it be… that Lord Barbatos was actually hinting that I needed to make a change?
Secretary!
Yes!
It must be that I lack the position of a secretary to help me categorize and sort various documents in advance, which would save me a lot of time. Since the leaders of Inazuma and Liyue both have secretaries, there must be a reason for it.
Jean: "Thank you, Regent, for helping me understand."
Seeing Jean look as if she had figured it out, Miyashiro smiled, "Alright, there's no need to be so polite between us. The establishment of diplomatic relations between Inazuma and Mondstadt is nearing its end. From now on, we will all be in a mutually beneficial cooperative relationship.
Coincidentally, my visit late tonight actually has another matter to discuss."
Jean: "What is it?"
Miyashiro looked back, then said to outside the door, "Alright, come in."
Jean saw Miyashiro's reaction and followed his gaze towards the door, only to see a tall, elegant figure in a blue and white Knight's uniform timidly appear before her.
Jean: "Eula?! Why are you here too?"
Eula hesitantly entered Jean's office and closed the door. She had a hesitant expression, and after several deep breaths, with trembling fingers, she pulled out a letter from her waist and handed it to a bewildered Jean.
As Jean took the letter from Eula's hand, Eula seemed to lose all her strength, her legs giving way. Miyashiro, who was quick-witted, caught her from behind, then pulled over a nearby chair and had her sit down.
Jean saw the obviously unusual relationship between Miyashiro and Eula, and immediately thought of the rumor she had heard earlier. Looking at the envelope in her hand, she had an ominous premonition.
After a moment of hesitation, Jean finally opened the envelope and took out the letter. Upon seeing the three most prominent characters at the top of the letter, Jean's voice suddenly became agitated, and she quickly asked, "Eula! You're resigning?!"
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